Dentist helps Hamlin smile for nearly two decades

When he opened up shop nearly 20 years ago, many of Hamlin's longtime residents thought out loud that Robert A. Lang had bitten off more than he could chew. Hamlinites had grown accustomed to traveling out of town for all of their medical needs.

Nearly two decades, and several thousand patients later, Dr. Lang has proven his critics wrong by running one of the most progressive dental practices in Monroe County. Lang employs three hygienists, four assistants and two front desk staffers. He has roughly four thousand patients. "I am doing dentistry the way I had hoped to," said Lang. "We provide high quality, top-notch care."

After operating out of an office in the former Bauch's IGA Plaza for 17 years, Lang recently built a state-of-the-art facility at 1859 Lake Road. It has six operating rooms and cutting edge technology that ensures the highest level of sterilization and room efficiency.

Locally, Lang has developed a reputation for taking the fear out of dentistry. He has been the choice for some residents who would otherwise try to avoid a trip to the dentist. Ted and Edie Schreppel, former teachers in the Hilton school district, started going to Lang about a month after he moved into Hamlin, and that relationship hasn't ended even though there now is a four-and-a-half hour drive between them. The couple comes from their home in the Adirondacks to have their dental work done. "About a month after Rob first started, my husband broke a tooth and someone suggested that he try the new dentist," said Edie. "Ted hated going to the dentist, but Rob was so accommodating. Because he has always been so kind, my husband developed a relationship with him and even after the move said 'I'm not going to any other dentist.' "

Darlene Owens-Wilson, practice manager and friend of Lang's, understands why he is able to cultivate such loyal patients. "He is very good with his patients, knowing them on a personal level," said Owens-Wilson. "He also keeps up with the latest technologies and continually puts money back into the practice."

Some of that money directly benefits his employees. This December, Lang will be sending Owns-Wilson on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate her twentieth year of working for him. That offer was more than exciting to Owens-Wilson, who said she often feels like working with Lang and her fellow co-workers is already a vacation. "We're like a family," said Owens-Wilson. "We laugh so much, coming to work is like going to a comedy club."

While there is a lot of laughter in the office, Lang approaches his profession with the utmost sincerity. He works hard to keep himself and his colleagues up to speed on the latest dental practices. His desire to stay ahead of the curve is evidenced by the many membership plaques he has hanging on his office wall. Lang is a member of the Stonegate Implant Study Group, the American College of Oral Implantology, the Academy of General Dentistry, MISCH Implant Institute, American Society of Osseointegration, and has earned the distinction of being named a fellow in the International College of Oral Implantologists. Lang has received schooling to treat TMJ, and has patients come from all around for his help. He is also training to be able to offer minor orthodontics, specifically a service called Invisalign, which is invisible braces. He also plans to take a surgical course for implants.

Away from work, Lang who grew up in Gates and attended the Aquinas Institute, now lives in Clarkson with his wife, Debora, sons, Jason and Nicholas, and daughter, Alexandra. He devotes a lot of time to watching his children play soccer and also serves as a coach for the Brockport Blizzards travel soccer program. Lang is a true advocate for youth soccer. Recently, he was responsible for bringing the Lake Placid Soccer Clinic to Brockport.